Artefacts roadshow at Walls 400!

During this weekend's Walls 400! History Conference, living history specialists from Northern Period Productions will demonstrate the weapons which would have been used on Derry's Walls four centuries ago. Included centre is Mark Lusby, Holywell Trust. Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography.

Published:12:05Friday 05 April 2013

As part of this weekend’s eagerly anticipated Walls 400! history conference in Derry, anyone who has an unusual artefact is invited to bring it along to a special “Artefacts Roadshow” which will take place on Sunday morning.

Metal detector ethusiasts, mud-larkers and field-walkers are especially welcome to attend this unique event which is happening at the Verbal Arts Centre from 11.30 a.m.

Mark Lusby, of the Holywell Trust, who is organising the two-day conference, explained: “We are taking advantage of having a great line-up of historians and archaeologists at the conference to use them to help members of the public identify items which have a historical interest. Sunday morning is your opportunity to check these out. It is a free session.”

The Walls 400! History Conference takes place both tomorrow and Sunday in the Verbal Arts Centre which is located adjacent to Bishop’s Gate.

Speakers at the two-day event include Dr Brian Lacey, who will examine Derry before the arrival of the Londoners; Prof James Stevens Curl, who will look at the background to the financing and building of the Walls; Dr Annaleigh Margey, who will use 17th century maps and surveys to examine the place of the Walls in the contemporary landscape and perception; and Eamonn McCann, who will look at how the communities view the Walls today.

Practical workshops will reveal overlooked features of the City Walls and the bits that have gone missing down through the centuries. It is being hailed as the essential conference to attend in 2013.

Tickets for the event are available only in advance from The Playhouse Box office. tel: 028 7126 8027.